Florida Wastewater Practice Test

Why should the TSS of the digester supernatant be calculated?

1. To monitor effluent quality

2. To measure the solids load on the plant

3. To determine the sludge age

4. To evaluate the chemical treatment

The correct answer is: To measure the solids load on the plant

Calculating the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) of the digester supernatant is essential for measuring the solids load on the plant. This metric provides critical information regarding the concentration of solids leaving the digester, which is a key factor in understanding the treatment efficiency and operational performance of the wastewater treatment facility. Monitoring TSS allows operators to evaluate how much solid material is being removed during the digestion process and assess if the system is functioning as intended. In terms of operational implications, knowing the solids load can help in adjusting the treatment process to optimize the balance between solid removal and effluent quality. A high solids load may indicate an overload situation that could lead to treatment inefficiencies or violations of discharge criteria. Conversely, a very low solids load might suggest underperformance in the digestion process. While monitoring effluent quality, determining sludge age, and evaluating chemical treatment are important aspects of wastewater treatment management, they are not directly linked to the primary purpose of calculating TSS in the context of digester supernatant. Each of these focuses on different elements of the overall treatment process rather than the specific measurement of solids load that TSS effectively provides.